Leigh Griffiths has expressed his disappointment that Celtic will not be facing Rangers in next season's Scottish Premiership, but insists the Ibrox club can have no complaints.

The Hoops' traditional rivals imploded spectacularly in their top-flight play-off against Motherwell, their 3-0 defeat at Fir Park on Sunday making it a comprehensive and embarrassing 6-1 defeat on aggregate.

It was widely believed that the Govan club would come through the leagues unhindered after they re-emerged in the bottom tier of Scottish football years three years ago following their descent into administration and liquidation.

However, while the Light Blues are consigned to the Scottish Championship for another season at least, Griffiths stressed that the Parkhead side will carry on regardless and look to build on four successive title wins.

"As a Celtic player and a fan you want Old Firm games, but over the two legs Motherwell showed why they are still in the Premiership and Rangers aren't," said Griffiths.

"We can only beat who is in front of us, whether it was Rangers or Motherwell.

"It is Motherwell, we congratulate them and we will see them next season.

"We have won the league the last four years and we are looking to do the same next year.

"There will be stern tests from Aberdeen, Dundee United and Inverness, but it is all about what we do and if we go out and play to our maximum we will win the league.

"Aberdeen gave us a good test this year and it was difficult for us in spells."

Belfast Telegraph

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